The National Transport Authority (“the NTA”) wishes to advise the market for public bus services operators that it intends to conduct a call-off competition for the provision of public bus services on two new routes (Routes LY1 and LY2) in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal under its Qualification System for Public Bus Services in Ireland. The NTA intends to issue an Invitation to Negotiate to those Qualified Candidates in operator bands 3 to 6 registered for call off competitions in the Ulster region. The NTA estimates that a peak vehicle requirement of 6 is required to operate the services. The Operator will be required to provide depot facilities for the duration of the contract. The Operator is also required to provide single-deck low floor wheelchair accessible urban buses providing a minimum capacity of 32 fixed seats and a minimum of 1 wheelchair space, and in addition, a minimum total capacity for 51 passengers (seated plus standing plus 1 wheelchair user). Buses shall not exceed 14 years of age during the life of the contract and shall be OEM Euro VI compliant. The NTA will provide a ticketing system for the operator’s buses. The initial contract duration is 5 years with provision to be extended for a further 2 years. The service is envisaged to commence operation at the end of 2027. A mobilisation period will be provided. Further details will be available in the invitation to negotiate documentation that will be issued for the call-off competition. The provisional date for publication of the invitation to negotiate for the Letterkenny Town call-off competition is not before the end of October 2026. Operators interested in participation in the call-off competition are advised to apply to be admitted to the relevant contract band and region under the Qualification System. To be eligible to participate in the call-off competition (subject to meeting the qualification criteria), applications must be received no later than 6 days before a call off competition. Where the provisional publication date above is later, the NTA will consider any applications received